A bubble under the tongue can be concerning. This article explains what these oral growths are, their common causes, and when to seek medical attention.
Understanding Sublingual Bubbles
These “bubbles” are fluid-filled sacs or cysts that form within the oral cavity. They appear under the tongue and are soft, round, and dome-shaped. Their appearance can range from clear or pearly to a bluish color. While often painless, they may vary in size, ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter.
The most common medical terms for these growths are “mucocele” and “ranula.” A mucocele is a mucous cyst that can occur in various parts of the mouth. A ranula is a specific type of mucocele that forms on the floor of the mouth and involves the sublingual salivary gland. Both are considered benign, meaning they are not cancerous.
Common Underlying Reasons
These oral lesions primarily develop due to a disruption in the normal flow of saliva from the salivary glands. One common reason is minor trauma to the salivary glands or their ducts. This can happen from accidental biting, cuts, or repeated irritation from dental appliances like braces. Such injuries can lead to the rupture of a salivary gland duct, causing mucus to leak into the surrounding tissues and form a cyst-like swelling.
Another cause is a blocked salivary duct. Saliva flows from the salivary glands through ducts into the mouth. If a duct becomes obstructed, perhaps by a mucous plug, inflammation, or a salivary stone (sialolith), saliva can back up and accumulate, leading to a fluid-filled sac. While mucoceles result from damage to minor salivary glands, ranulas are specifically associated with the sublingual gland and can grow larger.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
While many sublingual bubbles are harmless and may resolve on their own, certain signs indicate the need for professional evaluation. If the bubble causes persistent pain or discomfort, or if it rapidly increases in size, medical consultation is advised. Any signs of infection, such as redness, increased swelling, pus discharge, or a fever, warrant immediate attention.
Difficulty with eating, speaking, or swallowing due to the bubble’s size or location is also a reason to seek medical advice. If the bubble does not disappear within a few weeks, or if you experience recurrent bubbles, consult a dentist or doctor. A professional diagnosis is important to rule out more serious conditions.
Management and Prevention Strategies
For small, non-bothersome bubbles, home care involves leaving them undisturbed. Avoid picking at or attempting to pop the bubble, as this can lead to infection or further tissue damage. Maintaining good oral hygiene and being mindful of habits that might irritate the area, such as lip biting, can also be helpful.
When professional intervention is necessary, several medical treatments are available. These may include cryotherapy, which uses extreme cold to destroy the cyst, or laser treatment to remove the lesion. Surgical excision, where a dentist or oral surgeon removes the cyst and sometimes the associated salivary gland, is a common approach for persistent or problematic cases. For ranulas, a procedure called marsupialization may be used, which involves creating a new opening to allow saliva to drain. Preventing these bubbles involves avoiding oral trauma, such as careful chewing, and maintaining consistent oral hygiene with regular dental check-ups.